Family Fishing Adventure on Calaveras Lake

Calaveras Lake Family Fishing Adventure

Looking for a fishing trip that works for the whole crew? This 4-hour family adventure on Calaveras Lake hits the sweet spot for parents wanting to get their kids hooked on fishing. You'll have the boat all to yourselves – up to 4 people can join this private charter that starts either early morning at 7:30am or afternoon at 1:30pm. Spring brings some of the hottest redfish action you'll find in freshwater, while fall and winter months deliver steady catfish that'll keep the kids busy and excited. Everything's included, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so you can focus on making memories instead of packing gear.

What to Expect on the Water

Calaveras Lake offers something special – it's one of the few spots where you can target redfish in a freshwater environment, thanks to its unique connection to San Antonio Bay. The lake covers about 3,400 acres and stays warm year-round because of the nearby power plant, creating perfect conditions for both warm-water and cool-water species. Your guide knows exactly where to position the boat based on the season and what's biting. During spring months, you'll head to the shallow flats and drop-offs where redfish cruise looking for baitfish. When the weather cools down, expect to move into deeper pockets where catfish gather in numbers that'll surprise you. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – if one species isn't cooperating, there's always a backup plan to keep everyone engaged and lines tight.

Gear Setup & Fishing Style

Your captain comes prepared with medium-action rods perfect for both kids and adults, paired with spinning reels that are easy to handle. For redfish, you'll typically fish with live bait like shrimp or small mullet on circle hooks, which are safer for young anglers since they hook fish in the corner of the mouth. The guide will show everyone how to feel for that telltale redfish bite – sometimes it's a hard thump, other times it's just a steady pull. When targeting catfish, expect to use cut bait or prepared baits fished on the bottom with slip sinker rigs. The kids usually love catfish fishing because the action stays consistent, and these fish aren't shy about taking the bait. Everything gets rigged and re-rigged for you, so parents can focus on helping their young anglers instead of fumbling with tackle boxes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Calaveras Lake, and catching them in freshwater feels almost magical. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 28 inches here, with some bigger bulls pushing 30-plus inches during peak spring season. What makes redfish so exciting is their fighting style – they'll make powerful runs toward structure, then turn and bulldoze their way around the boat. The spring spawn period, roughly March through May, brings the most consistent action as schools of reds move into the shallows to feed aggressively. Kids love the visual aspect too, since you can often see the fish's bronze back and distinctive black spot just before it takes the bait. The best part? These fish taste fantastic, and your guide will fillet them perfectly for an easy family dinner.

Hardhead sea catfish might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute workhorses for family fishing trips. These guys stay active year-round and provide steady action when other species get finicky. They typically range from 1 to 3 pounds, perfect size for kids to handle without getting overwhelmed. What's great about targeting catfish is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll hit cut bait, live bait, and even artificial lures. During cooler months from October through February, catfish become the primary target as they school up in deeper areas of the lake. They're also incredibly reliable, which means less downtime and more fish in the cooler. While they require careful handling due to their sharp dorsal spines, your guide will demonstrate safe techniques and handle the unhooking process for younger anglers.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated family fishing experience delivers exactly what busy parents need – a hassle-free day on the water where everyone catches fish and goes home with dinner. The private boat setup means you're not sharing space with strangers, and the flexible start times work around nap schedules and school commitments. Your captain's local knowledge of Calaveras Lake's seasonal patterns ensures you're fishing the right spots at the right time, whether that's spring redfish flats or winter catfish holes. With all tackle provided and fish cleaning included, you'll walk away with filleted fish ready for the freezer and kids who can't wait to plan the next trip. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so pick your dates carefully and get ready for some of the best family fishing action in South Texas.